A more thorough explanation:

A petition for access is a request to inspect a patent application made by someone who does not have the usual authority to do so. This request must demonstrate a special need for access and show that the applicant has been notified of the petition. The patent applicant is entitled to a hearing before access is granted.

Example 1: John is a researcher who wants to access a patent application to study a new technology. He submits a petition for access to the patent office, explaining his need for access and how it will benefit his research. The patent applicant is notified of the petition and has the right to a hearing before access is granted.

Example 2: Sarah is a journalist who wants to access a patent application to write an article about a new invention. She submits a petition for access to the patent office, but her request is denied because she does not demonstrate a special need for access.

These examples illustrate how a petition for access works in the context of patent applications. It is a formal request that must meet certain criteria, and the patent applicant has the right to contest the request before access is granted.